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2018 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Special Events

However, these events can be some of the most memorable of your Festival experience, which will run from August 30-November 12, 2018.

In 2018, we expect to see the return of popular premium events, like Party for the Senses. There will also be plenty of special lunches and dinners with an emphasis on international flavors and food and beverage pairings.

Special Events will be available for booking starting on a date TBA. Some affinity groups may be able to book early. Stay tuned to the DFB Newsletter for details.

Please note: all special events do require separate Epcot admission, in addition to the purchase of a ticket.

The Special Events for the 2018 Epcot Food and Wine Festival have not been announced yet. You can check out what was offered at the 2017 Festival below.

We’ll have all the coverage and information you need right here on Disney Food Blog! And take a look at this special offer to help you get started right away!

Ready to Plan for Your 2018 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Trip?

Pre-Order the DFB Guide to the 2018 Epcot Food & Wine Festival e-Book today, and get the 2017 edition free as an immediate download! Two guides for the price of one! This 250+-page guide to the Festival offers insider tips and advice as well as all of the details you need to know to plan your best Festival visit ever.

Your purchase includes several bonus items as well — including a full daily schedule of events at the Festival and a printable World Showcase Booth Menu Checklist to carry with you as you Eat around the World!

Pre-Order your 2018 edition today and get the 2017 edition for FREE! Don’t miss a moment of the fun!

Party for the Senses

Party for the Senses is consistently one of the most popular events taking place during the Epcot Food and Wine Festival. In 2017, the event received a new focus, and for the first time, all levels of tickets enjoyed guaranteed seating. No more standing around with your plate and glass in your hand all night. Yay!

Party for the Senses

At Party for the Senses, a special host leads the evening’s festivities as guests eat, drink, and celebrate! In the past, we’ve enjoyed dishes from over 50 tasting stations as premium entertainment will change each night of the event. It’s the best of both worlds and a feast for all of the senses!

Food is Abundant at Party for the Senses

The Party is pricey and offered only on select weekend nights, so plan accordingly. To see what this event is like, check out our Party for the Senses review here. We’ll have a new review for you soon!

Where: World ShowPlace Events PavilionWhen: September 23, October 7, October 14, October 21, November 11Price: $179 to $329 per person

September 23: Party for the Senses Featuring Chefs from Disney Springs
Prepare to be dazzled as these Master Chefs shine! During this one-time event, dine on an incredible array of dishes from the finest eateries in Disney Springs—the dining, shopping and entertainment mecca designed for Walt Disney World Guests and food connoisseurs alike. Featured Disney Springs Chefs will include Chef Masaharu Morimoto from Morimoto Asia, Chef Art Smith from Homecomin’ and Culinary Director Eddie Thomas.

October 21: Party for the Senses Featuring Chefs from Disney Parks
Embark on a flavorful evening while sampling global cuisine with the pros! For one night only, Disney Chefs will gather together to lead Guests on an unforgettable gastronomical journey. Each tasting station will feature dishes that best represent their country, culture and the Disney theme park they call home. It’s a culinary adventure you won’t want to miss!

A tiered approach to tickets returned for 2017.

Wine View Lounge: Epcot admission required. Includes private reserved table in an exclusive area (closest to the stage), early entrance into event, specialty cocktail toast, artisanal cheese station, transportation to and from the Epcot Main Entrance in a “Minnie Van,” and more.

Wine View Lounge Seating

Reserved Seating: Epcot admission required. Includes a reserved table on main floor for just your group.

Party for the Senses General Admission/Guaranteed Seating: Epcot admission required. Check in at WorldShow Place Events pavilion. Seating is guaranteed; however, there may be obstructed view of the stage and you will be seated with other guests.

Cheese Seminars

A great way to learn about cheese from the experts! We’ve enjoyed tasting cheese and beverage pairings, as experts guide us through the process. Read our Cheese Seminar Review here.

Mediterranean Cheeses and Wines
Hosted by Erin Hedley
September 30, 2017
Taste amazing wines and cheeses deeply rooted in ancient Mediterranean diets as well as culture.

Old World Cheese Classic Cheese
Hosted by Max McCalman
October 7, 2017
Experience delightfully unique pairings of Europe’s most acclaimed wines and cheeses from various regions across the continent.

The Great Cheese and Wines of the United States
Hosted by David Gremmels
October 14, 2017
Summon your inner wine and cheese connoisseur with some of the finest selections produced in America.

Great British Cheeses and Aless
Hosted by Max McCalman
October 28, 2017
Learn how traditional British cheeses and ales pair in perfect harmony, something loyal fans have known for decades.

Season’s Best Cheeses and Wines
Hosted by Max McCalman
November 11, 2017
Sample autumn’s top seasonal cheeses, both domestic and imported, for a pièce-de-résistance pairing that closes the Festival on a highly delectable note!

What’s Cooking With…

During the presentation, a celebrity culinary guest demonstrated a favorite dish. Afterwards, he or she chats with the event host and answers questions from the audience. It’s a great way to interact with some of your favorite chefs and culinary personalities.

Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It! Hands-On Workshops

Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It! Hands-On Workshops returned in 2017 and we hope to see it back this year! The daily events offer guests an opportunity to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty! In this hands-on experience, you learn directly from the pros.

Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It! Place Setting

Guests can learn about a myriad of culinary subjects — from decorating cakes, garnishing like a boss, and even mixing up an amazing cocktail!

Culinary Adventures in Signature Dining

Savor your way through a phenomenal dinner while a Chef (sometimes a celebrity Chef!) takes you through every bite, explaining technique, menu choice, and wine pairings. Taking place throughout restaurants across Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts, these special dinners take place everyday, and they sell out fast!

Where: Around Walt Disney World Parks and ResortsWhen: Look for more than 20 dinners throughout the festival!Pricing: Prices are per person plus tax. Gratuity included. Theme park admission required for restaurants within a theme park.

September 2, 2017: Narcoossee’s, 12:00PM, $169

September 5, 2017: Morimoto Asia, 1:00PM, $112.10

September 8, 2017: STK Orlando, 7:30PM, $125

September 12, 2017: Morimoto Asia, 1:00PM, $112.10

September 15, 2017: Tiffins, 6:00PM, $199

September 16, 2017: Artist Point, 11:30AM, $169

September 19, 2017: Morimoto Asia, 1:00PM, $112.10

Please note: The September 28th event at The Wave listed below has been cancelled.
September 28, 2017: The Wave…of American Flavors, 5:00PM, $169

Please note: The November 1st event at Portobello listed below has been cancelled.
November 1, 2017: Portobello Country Italian Trattoria, 7:30PM, $130

November 2, 2017: Yachtsman Steakhouse, 12:00PM, $229

November 3, 2017: Victoria & Albert’s, 6:30PM, $650

November 10, 2017: Tiffins, 5:00PM, $199

Parisian Breakfast

The Parisian Breakfast has proven to be very popular since its debut in 2013, and we know it will return again this year! The event normally takes place at Les Chefs de France on select Saturday mornings during the Festival.

Pouring Chocolat Chaud at the Parisian Breakfast

Guests are served a welcoming Mimosa, and then move on to a spread featuring authentic pastries (baguettes, brioches, croissants), unlimited coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and orange juice! Savor the baguettes made from scratch in a 48-hour process at Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie.

Fresh from the oven, enjoy them with butter and Bonne Maman confiture (fruit preserve) to make a French tartine. Check out our Parisian Breakfast Review!

French Family Meal Traditions

We always look forward to some authentic and delicious dining options in the France Pavilion during the Food and Wine Festival. In 2015, French Family Meal Traditions replaced the super popular French Regional Lunches.

Blanquette de Veau en Cocotte from the French Family Lunch

During the event, guests were invited to take a trip back to France with chefs from the France Pavilion, as they prepare a favorite dish from their childhood. Each meal was paired with French wine as well. Here’s our recent review of the event!

The Parisian Afternoon: Sandwiches, Macarons, and Bubbles!

Another Special Event that joined the lineup in recent years is The Parision Afternoon. After exploring France in the morning and for lunch, the logical next step is to enjoy an afternoon there! We discovered snacking, Parisian style, with finger sandwiches, savory mignardises, petit fours, macarons — as well as unlimited mimosas!

Tokyo Pairing — “Umami” (The Sixth Sense)

Enjoy three style pairings of Wagyu beef, lobster tail, and King Crab legs and sushi prepared using naturally fermented ingredients and sauces. Examples of pairings include Wagyu Sea Urchin, Lobster and King Crab Legs Tempura with salt Koji Cheese Sauce — all paired with Sake and other beverages.

Frozen Ever After Dessert Party

Enjoy delicious dessert creations and savory bites inspired by Frozen with VIP Seating for Illuminations as well. Afterward, you’ll head off to the Norway Pavilion for a special opportunity to ride Frozen Ever After!

The buffet offers both sweet and savory options, and may include the following:

Olaf’s warm double-chocolate s’mores pudding cake

Elsa’s warm cottage pudding with salted caramel glaze

Hand-dipped vanilla bean ice cream

Wandering Oaken’s éclairons

Hans’ key lime tarts with red glitter glaze

Living Rock crispy bonbons

Anna’s blue velvet cupcakes

Kristoff’s no-sugar-added lemon curd with blueberry

Sven’s fresh fruits and berries

Grand Pabbie’s winter-spiced snack mix

Duke of Weselton’s cheese fondue served with country bread cubes, broccoli and grilled flatbread

Drinks are served as well and will include the following:

“Melted snow” and other non-alcoholic beverages

Summertime cocktails, like margaritas and piña coladas

Beer and wine

Admission for the Frozen Ever After Dessert Party is $79 for adults and $47 for children, ages 3-9. The party is available for select nights throughout the festival.

VIP Experiences

Disney continues its trend of offering VIP and premium experiences to guests, and the Epcot Food and Wine Festival is no exception. Stay tuned to DFB for more information regarding the 2018 experiences.

Here’s a brief rundown of VIP Experiences that were available in 2016 and 2017.

The Ultimate VIP Tour Experience for the Epcot Food and Wine Festival lasted the full day, and included all of the following:

Your day begins with the Wonders Retreat at the Festival Center, where you’ll enjoy a celebrity chef hosted brunch from the best seats in the house.

After a break and a brief time to shop, you’ll return to the VIP Lounge for a hosted beverage demonstration featuring acclaimed wines, spirits and craft beers from around the world.

Next, you’ll venture to the Norway Pavilion to set sail on the newest attraction in the World Showcase—Frozen Ever After.

Then, it’s time to explore the Global Marketplaces! Disney Chefs will greet you and introduce you to the endless selection of bites and beverages while you taste 3 of the Festival’s most popular pairings.

Your next stop will be at the newly reimagined attraction, Soarin’ Around the World.

Afterwards, a certified Cicerone will lead you through a sampling of the Festival’s signature craft beers. Another delectable chef’s pairing will follow.

Post pairing, you’ll head to the America Garden Theatre to savor a glass of champagne and then rock out to the Eat to the Beat Concert Series from your priority seats.

When the concert comes to a close, you’ll have time to explore the Festival on your own.

If you choose to stay through the end of the day, you can watch IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth from a reserved location.

More details:

The 7-hour experience began at 9:00 AM on the select Fridays.

The cost of The Ultimate Day at Epcot International Food & Wine Festival experience in 2016 was $399 per Guest, plus tax.

A 15% discount was available for Disney Vacation Club Members, Annual Passholders, and Disney Chase Visa Cardmembers in 2016.

Theme park admission is required and is not included with the cost of the VIP Tour.

Epcot Food and Wine Festival Tasting Sampler was offered in 2017.

Guests can purchase a package that includes either 8 entitlements for food or beverage of your choice at over 35 Food and Wine Festival Booths, with some exceptions, which will be listed on the credential.

The package includes a limited release Epcot International Food & Wine Festival pin.

The Sampler will be available for purchase at Festival Center, Festival Shop at the Germany Pavilion, and the Festival Boutique between the Japan and Morocco Pavilions.

The package will be available daily August 13-November 13.

Cost is $65 per person for 8 entitlements.

2017 Festival Tasting Sampler

2017 Festival Tasting Sampler

2017 Festival Tasting Sampler Pin

New in 2016, Guests could also purchase a Commemorative Gift Card. This offer included:

Commemorative Festival Medallion and Lanyard with carrying sleeve

Special Gift Card.

Guests received this when they activate the card with a minimum of $200 at any Festival Merchandise location.

How to Book Epcot Food & Wine Festival Events

To book all special events and demonstrations, call 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378) – Dates will be announced this summer. Culinary Demonstrations and Beverage Seminars and general admission for some special events may be bookable online at www.epcotfoodfestival.com as well as by phone.

Tables in Wonderland members, Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club Members, and Golden Oak Residents are eligible for a $2 discount (per person, per event) for beverage and seminars and culinary demos taking place Mon-Thurs during the festival. Members of these groups can also book all special events early – dates to be announced this summer. Discounts are by phone only at 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378). Stay tuned to DisneyFoodBlog.com and the Disney Food Blog Newsletter for details.

Because Chase is no longer a Festival Sponsor, Chase Disney Visa Cardholders have no access to early booking this year.

Start Your Planning NOW!

Pre-Order the DFB Guide to the 2018 Epcot Food & Wine Festival e-Book today, and get the 2017 edition free as an immediate download! Two guides for the price of one! This 250+-page guide to the Festival offers insider tips and advice as well as all of the details you need to know to plan your best Festival visit ever.

Your purchase includes several bonus items as well — including a full daily schedule of events at the Festival and a printable World Showcase Booth Menu Checklist to carry with you as you Eat around the World!

Pre-Order your 2018 edition today and get the 2017 edition for FREE! Don’t miss a moment of the fun!